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California Canteen
Categories: Restaurants French Nightlife Bars Wine Bars Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch French, Wine Bars, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
3311 Cahuenga Blvd WLos Angeles, CA 90068
Neighborhood: Hollywood
(323) 876-1702
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 10 pm
Fri 11 am - 11 pm
Sat 10 am - 11 pm
Sun 10 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
107 reviews for California Canteen
Review Highlights
"Tiramisu, Creme Brulee, Lemon Merengue, and other..."
(in 10 reviews)
"Perhaps I will try the French onion soup next time."
(in 9 reviews)
"Ya just gotta love the ambiance - the Basque are so Franish."
(in 13 reviews)
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107 reviews in English
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Review from Chris K.
North Hollywood, CA
12/7/2011
Very good French restaurant. Beef Bourginon melts in your mouth! Amazing!
They have an extensive and delicious selection of wines. I tried Dubonnet Rouge here as an aperitif drink and it was great. Went and picked some up from the
local liquor store.
Semi-Casual spot for dinner, but the services is great and the food is really tasty. -
Review from Greg N.
12/21/2011
I feel so unsure
I take wifey's hand and lead her through Canteen's door
The Basquiase caught her eyes
served with salad and fries
salmon pasta pesto cream
was my choice unwise
I'm never gonna go again
this careless cooking's got no rhythm
I'm not gonna say that I liked it cuz that's just pretend
You know I'm not a fool
Should have known better than on his advice depend
The Henry's Hat valet led us to Canteen
But I've never gonna go again
Because their cooking's out of too-ooh-une.
Salmon cooked so well
But the linguini mushy; good pesto could not propel
Fries were extra tough
Chicken dry and rough
The Basquaise sauce was spicy good
But this four star sauce was just not enough...
I'm never gonna go again
this careless cooking's got no rhythm
I'm not gonna say that I liked it cuz that's just pretend
You know I'm not a fool
Should have known better than on his advice depend
The Henry's Hat valet led us to Canteen
But I've never gonna go again
Because their cooking's out of too-ooh-une.
The salad dressing balsamic based
But not enough dressing there was no taste
Veggies did not impress, concoction looked like a blend from Fresh Express
The tarte tatin did not appeal
The fruit seemed they were unpeeled
$40 for the lunch...a money crunch
I'm never gonna go again
this careless cooking's got no rhythm
I'm not gonna say that I liked it cuz that's just pretend
You know I'm not a fool
Should have known better than on his advice depend
The Henry's Hat valet led us to Canteen
But I've never gonna go again
Because their cooking's out of too-ooh-une. -
Review from Gerard R.
Los Angeles, CA
12/20/2011
I got a Groupon, which seemed like a great opportunity to finally check out a place I drive by several times a week.
It feels like a friendly neighborhood place. The decor is going for a classic French bistro look, with posters on the wall and comfy furniture, but it doesn't quite have the charm or personality of, say, Figaro Bistrot in Los Feliz. Worthy of note, their proximity to the Hollywood Bowl means they also make picnic baskets to go.
The prices are fairly reasonable and we got a few glasses of house wine at $7/glass. We shared an escargot appetizer. My friend got the Paupiette Aux Olives: Roasted Chicken Breast stuffed with Ground Veal, Pork, Green Olives. I got the Paella Mediterraneen with Scallops, Shrimp, Calamari, Chicken, Mussels, Clams, & Sausage. The dishes were fine, although not very memorable. And we did get the requisite snotty French waiter, who did manage to lighten up.
Overall, a nice place for a relatively inexpensive casual meal, but if you want quality food or a classier ambience, there are better options available. -
Review from Janet R.
Los Angeles, CA
12/18/2011
I've always wanted to try this place, and finally got my chance when I bought a groupon. Left a bit thoroughly disappointed.
The Good:
The calamari - excellent. Not too heavy, came with a delicious dipping sauce.
beef bourguignon -some of the best I've ever tried. Very tender and rich. Came with a tasty side of mashed potatoes.
The Bad:
Beef Bourguignon also came with a side of tasteless frozen vegetables. The broccoli/cauliflower/carrot mix you can find at the grocery store. I know this isn't fine dining, but yuck.
The apple pie - surprisingly terrible. Tasted bland and old. Couldn't finish it.
The service - disinterested and annoyed. Er, thanks for doing us the favor of serving us?
Up till this point, this might have still been a 3-4 star review, but then....
The weird:
Our total came out to be $46. At which point, the waiter tried to convince me that we couldn't pay with a groupon because we hadn't reached our "$50 limit".
When i tried to explain thats not how a groupon works, he quickly backtracked and said it was fine, he'd let it go as long as we paid for our sales tax.
Had no problem doing that, and still tipped generously, but why all the sketchiness with the groupons? Really left a bad taste in my mouth.
2 stars for the beef bourguignon, but really turned off by the sketchiness. -
Review from Jeffrey K.
Sherman Oaks, CA
2/8/2012
We have eaten at California Canteen many times and have always had excellent meals. This very cute, little French restaurant has an extensive menu and everyone we have dined with there has been quite pleased with their meals. It is one of our very favorite restaurants. Very reasonably priced for the quality of food. The service has always been excellent.
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Review from Max L.
North Hollywood, CA
2/1/2012
Meh is right. Chicken was flavorless. Lettuce was gross. Diced tomatoes seemed stolen from Taco Bell. Disappointing. I'd maybe give them another chance, but they are quite pricey.
-
Review from Ryan C.
The server randomly lectured about how he expected to be tipped on the full amount of the meal, after we handed him a Groupon. I found that to be distasteful...
The food was OK. It's pretty heavy, which could be expected I guess to some extent at a more traditional French restaurant.
If you're not sure where to go, I'd highly recommend Henry's Hat down the street instead. The name doesn't suggest much, but their food and atmosphere is great. Come to California Canteen, however, if you have to be at a French restaurant. -
Review from Betsy R.
Los Angeles, CA
11/9/2011
Great ambiance! Very homey, cozy and warm feeling. Yup...kinda "cute" kind of place.
Food was good, but nothing too special. They don't only serve french food though. It has potential for being a cool place...great location with street parking. But still needs something to set it apart from other places to make people really want to come back. -
Review from Heidi S.
Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, CA
10/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cute French place that not only serves french food but other types of food as well (italian, american, etc...) My boyfriend and I started off with the bistrot salad that came with walnuts, apples, mushrooms, tomatoes and balsamic vinegarette. It was okay and was what we expected from a salad.
For our entrees, we shared one of the specials - baked salmon with lobster sauce topped with caviar and a side of spinach and more vegetables, which tasted very good! You couldn't really taste the caviar since it was used as a topping and was overpowered by the lobster sauce. Yum!! We also used the lobster sauce to soak our bread with because it filled our plate.
We also ate the chicken risotto. The chicken chunks were too big for my liking but the dish had flavor.
We had the creme brulee for dessert and it was a huge portion, which I believe was only $5.00 and it was delicious! A must try! The prices were reasonable, the portions are big, and our drinks were continuously filled throughout the night. Valet is $3.50 =/ -
Review from G. S.
North Hollywood, CA
12/4/2011
Too bad the charm is only on the walls.
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Review from Amanda A.
North Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
10/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Let's get the bad out of the way: First off, they do not open for breakfast on the weekend until 10am! Who does that? We arrived at 9:45 and almost left; not because we couldn't wait 15 minutes, but because it kind of made us wonder what kind of a restaurant doesn't open earlier for breakfast. Secondly, the parking isn't the best, but was mostly a non-issue.
Now, the good: The food was pretty good at very reasonable prices. At first, we were perusing the menu and wondering why the breakfast dishes didn't come with toast...but then, a basket of fresh croissants and crusty, chewy French bread came to the table. Mystery solved! The breakfast potatoes were very good, but be warned that they do come with some tomato sauce/salsa on top. Sounds weird, but I really enjoyed the potatoes.
Stay away from their breakfast pasta--pretty bland and un-satisfying. The other 3 dishes at the table were very good, though.
Other reviewers have complained about the service, but we were treated very well, with prompt, friendly service. Coffee and water were always refilled, and the food came out quick and hot.
We will definitely be back! -
Review from Erika V.
8/30/2011
Cute. That pretty much sums up my feeling about California Canteen.
Was there over on a weekend at 2 pm and it was fairly empty which is always a pleasant surprise considering the busy area. My friends and I were seated right away, service was quick and very nice. The decor was sorta France meets Spain, maybe channeling some inner Basque region or something. Either way, it was cute and cozy.
Since a friend had a plane to catch, it was just a quick catch up. I ordered the steamed artichoke which was fine. The issue with it was the aioli it came with was gross. i just dipped it in the oil and vinegar provided at the table which wasn't all that appetizing but i don't like a completely plain artichoke. My friends weren't too thrilled with their dishes either. It wasn't expensive or anything, but probably not worth eating at again.Listed in: Places I avoid
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Review from Masha O.
San Francisco, CA
9/11/2011
The appetizers (brie fondue, onion soup) were pretty tasty.
The entrees were a total disappointment - totally bland, and the steak was chewy like rubber.
Service is typically French - ie disinterested and annoyed.
I wouldn't come back, given the other good choices in LA. -
Review from Gabriela C.
Los Angeles, CA
12/19/2011
This restaurant is amazing quality and great service. It is a local, fresh food made every day GEM! We spend most of the big holidays with them. We consider them family. After 5 years of going there regularly we've always been so happy with their service and great tasting fresh food. Thank you and we look forward to many more delicious meals!
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Review from Cara Mia D.
Glendale, CA
8/26/2011
Food was blah, ambiance was blah, and the server was a total douche.
First time I had a meal I didn't enjoy in a long time. Had the chopped steak sandwich with a side salad and broccoli soup. The soup was bland and required tons of salt and pepper. The chopped steak had no flavor. I'd rather get an in-n-out burger for a fraction of the price. The highlight of my meal was the side salad. The BF had the seafood paella and it too was lacking flavor.
Definitely not a place I'd go to again. Overpriced and the only thing authentic was the snobby French waiter. -
Review from Wren P.
Fontana, CA
8/10/2011
We found this restaurant using the Groupon Now app after spending the day at the Griffith Observatory. The restaurant is described as "French" but I got a Spanish vibe from the place...the walls are covered in matador and bull fighting posters, and they were playing Manà on the radio. Everyone was very nice, however when we were greeted we were told we had to be out of the restaurant by 10pm, because they were hosting a private party.
We were seated right away, since there was only 3 other parties in the entire restaurant (it was a Sunday night at 9pm, so we didn't think that was very strange). They took our drink order right away and brought us a basket of bread...but no bread plates? They had olive oil and balsamic in jars on the table, like we could use them as dips, but we never received any sort of dish to put it on, which was strange.
I ordered the Paupiette Aux Olives and my boyfriend ordered the Grilled Italian Sausage. The Paupiette was AMAZING! Chicken stuffed with veal, pork, herbs and green olives, plated with the cooking juice swimming on the plate and with a scoop of mashed potatoes. So tender, maybe a little salty from the olives, but overall I ate my entire dish, leaving me satisfied but not stuffed.
I thought the Italian Sausage tasted OK compared to mine...two pieces of sausage with a mound of grilled onions (maybe some peppers? The onions pretty much over powered the vegetables) on top, plated with the cooking juices and mashed potatoes as well. I like my Italian Sausages a little spicy, and felt that these were pretty bland, but he ate his entire plate, no problem.
They kept out drinks filled, but never offered us dessert. I never saw a dessert menu, or anyone else with dessert, and I can't find a menu on their website. I was pretty stuffed, but looking forward to satiating my sweet tooth.
I would absolutely visit here again, we'd like to try one of the picnic for two packages, and I would recommend it to a friend. Just remember to ask for a bread plate! -
Review from Francine Y.
Redondo Beach, CA
12/14/2011
The ambiance wasn't very romantic, but it was still acceptable. They serve relatively stale bread and the service wasn't very attentive. I believe I met the owner (Yanni) and he was nice to talk to.
The food was delicious. My boyfriend and I ordered:
1) Angela Chopped Salad, which has ORGANIC Mixed Greens with Gorgonzola, Bacon, Tomato, Avocado, Egg, Walnuts, with Oil and Vinegar Shallots Dressing. It was a perfect mix of flavors and textures and we absolutely loved the bacon!
2) Beef Bourguignon: Braised Beef Stew in a Red Wine sauce with Carrots and Onions - comes with delicious mashed potatoes.
3) Baked snapper (special of the day) - comes with spinach, pine nuts & mixed veg. (the mixed veg. was not fresh).
4) Loire Valley's Qunicy (white wine) to compliment the baked snapper - perfect!
Unfortunately we didn't have room or time for dessert.
Since we live relatively far away (South Bay), we don't intend to come back especially since we've had more pleasant experiences in other French restaurants. -
Review from Mike P.
New York, NY
12/11/2011
Excellent French restaurant. Ate the leftovers while I was waiting to board my return flight to NYC. Basque themes permeate the restaurant, including the paintings, bullfighting posters, and ambient modern pop/country French music. A little bit out of the way, past Universal Studios, but worth the trip!
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Review from Tom H.
Los Angeles, CA
6/17/2011
$3.50 for a guy to get in my car and park in a spot 10 ft away?
Not acceptable -
Review from Weixin D.
North Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
7/8/2011
Bought a Groupon for a dinner here after reading a few of the yelp reviews and planned a dinner out. My boyfriend and I came here on a Friday night around 6pm and were seated right away.
We received our waters and bread basket while we looked at the menu. They had a nice selection of French, Spanish, and Italian cuisine, and it seemed promising. We decided to order Fried Calamari with Spicy Tomato Marinara; Smoked Salmon Linguini in Creamy Pesto Sauce; and Sauteed Pork Medallions.
The fried calamari were delicious! They weren't overcooked, soft, with a super crispy batter. The marinara it came with was served hot and had a nice mild kick to it that complimented the calamari. The linguini was mostly good; I had slight problems with it being drenched in the pesto sauce and rather than the salmon being left smoked, it was cooked with the pasta (I prefer my lox just smoked). While the smoked salmon flavored the pasta, the salmon itself was too salty to eat and I ended up pushing most of it to the side.
The biggest issue we had was the pork medallions. They weren't medallions at all! The restaurant decided to use very cheap, thin slices of pork, and they were in the shape of a chicken breast. My boyfriend wasn't even sure it was pork by the end of the meal. It reminded him of pressed chicken meat. The side of garlic mashed potatoes were quite decent, and the marsala sauce with mushrooms was pleasant as well. That's where his praise ended. He felt that for the price ($19), they shouldn't have skimped on the heart of the dish: the pork! All in all, he didn't feel like this place was worth a second visit due to his experience with this dish.
This was our first time using a groupon, and after a few explanations, we sort of got it, but still paid $12.03 out of pocket, after hitting our $50 minimum. The $12 is tax and gratuity. I'm not sure if including gratuity is something they do for everyone or just groupon customers. Our waiter gave us the impression that spending anything less than that dollar amount would still result in the $12.03. Had we not had the groupon, instead of spending $37 on mediocre food, we would have spent $62 on mediocre food. Needless to say, we don't plan on coming back. -
Review from FoodFight.TV ..
Seattle, WA
Seafood isn't fresh.
The bourgeoisie was great!
It's a small French restaurant.
The 007 martini was oddly sweet. -
Review from Donna G.
Los Angeles, CA
7/3/2011
I had Saturday brunch at California Canteen. We sat out on the patio area. When we arrived at 10 am, the parking in the back was free and there was plenty of spaces.
I started my Brunch with the Prosciutto and Melon, which was delicious. Little shredded basil sprinkled on top, and leafy greens underneath. Makes me want to try this at home - basil and melon, yummy !
The Eggs Florentine were cooked to perfection. The best I have ever had, seriously! The egg yolks were perfect runny pools inside the cooked egg. I loved cutting into them and watching the egg yolks run all over the spinach.
On the side was chopped watermelon and berries, and cold potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce. I don't like spicy, so I was fine with leaving the potatoes on my plate since they were cold. No big deal. Next time I will see what I can get in place of the potatoes.
We had decided to share an order of the French toast Parisienne, which was also very good.
My friend got a Brie cheese and Mushroom Omelet. It was on the menu with ham, but they were perfectly okay with her substituting mushrooms instead.
They were also fine with me substituting a regular orange juice in the place of the Sangria served with brunch. However, my friend was in the mood for a Sangria so I gave it to her. I got a freshly squeezed orange juice instead.
Our waiter was accommodating and helpful. He let us make substitutions and answered our questions about the menu items. They were more than willing to constantly refill our coffee cups every chance they got. And the coffee was really good too.
I enjoyed the eggs florentine so much, I want to go back just for that. It was a really delicious breakfast. -
Review from Sandra K.
Los Angeles, CA
6/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
First off, super cute decor. Really made me feel like I was back in Paris. Sigh.
Second, I can easily see how some people might have a bad time here but my friends Sunday birthday dinner was pretty great.
The service was pretty confusing considering yes, it's pretty slow but they were also friendly, funny and engaging. The yummy bread baskets kept on coming and never had to ask for a drink refill. I guess they knew we were celebrating a birthday because they left us alone to be loud and just socialize until too much time had passed and we had to track them down to take our orders but besides that, the rest of the night was fun.
The crab cakes sauce was a little too creamy and heavy but still very good. We also got the fried calamari and escargot which were both a big hit. It seems the filet mignon, and other steaks were the big favorites but the pastas weren't lacking in any department. I suppose for the price, it was a 'slightly' underwhelming but still, really tasty food. Good beer list, better wine list and fair prices.. what more can you ask for?
Finally to top off the night, the server was nice and thoughtful enough to bring us a complimentary tiramisu for the birthday boy but had a little goof by bringing it without the candle being lit so he made an awkward U-ey and came back with it bright and singing. We all had a nice laugh about it together. Overall left full and content. -
Review from Jon G.
Los Angeles, CA
5/4/2011
My friend told me about this place, so I had to try it out. He said good things, and it is one of his go to places.
So I went and decided on the quiche, which is a lunch special. It was super good, decent portions, and came with fries. I didnt finish everything. Also got some iced tea. I was surprised to find iced tea at a French restaurant. I used to live in France, and no one ever served it, except that canned peach or mango flavored brisk kind. But I like mine strong and unsweetened. It wasnt super strong, but it wasnt completely watered down either, and they were a little too good about refilling it.
I went back with a different friend and got the linguini with salmon and pesto, and it was amazing! Perfect portion, excellent flavor.
The lunch specials come with a choice of soup or salad. Though I have never had the soup, it always looks good, and my friends seem to like it. I always get the salad, which is good as well. Nothing fancy, but at least the dressing is somewhat authentic: Olive oil and vinaigre. If you get anything else on your salad in France, youre not in France. Or at least not on the riviera!
Pet peeves: I am approached too many times while Im at the table, and always interrupted while in conversation. I know it is their job to check on me, but I dont need to be baby sat. And waiting until I finish my sentence would be nicer than just butting in.
Also, parking. There is valet parking which is pretty cheap, but I hate doing that. So I always go for parking in the neighborhood, which I am sure the locals dont like. And since this is LA, there isnt much parking to go around anyways. There is also metered parking out front, but thats expensive as well.
All in all it is a good place though, and I will be going back often. The prices are very reasonable, especially for a French restaurant, and the food is great!
I also appreciate that the music isnt loud. Nothing says " I dont want your business" like music thats too loud. -
Review from J C.
Los Angeles, CA
3/25/2011
I've been giving this place the benefit of the doubt on my last couple visits but I can no longer deny the fact this staff has some rude fucks on the payroll.
For me, this is rather unfortunate because it's a convenient location for me and the food is actually good. I just can't handle the miserable and impatient staff.
Are they aware that they perpetuate the negative French stereotype to a T? I'm not sure where they find the justification for the shitball attitude but they certainly act like they're doing you a huge favor by taking your order and allowing you to eat in their sacred presence. Very weird. Very lame.
So, I won't be returning to these turd burglars ever again. If you've got some serious emotional issues and like being treated like shit, this place is perfect for you. This disgruntled staff needs to chill the fuck out and learn some basic manners. I think they need to stop torturing their customers, and themselves, by shutting down and finding another line of work. -
Review from Clarissa C.
Arcadia, CA
7/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Got a Hollywood Bowl Verdi Picnic for Two from here. There was a lot of food in it. Enough to feed 6 people easily and everything in it was delicious.
The Buffalo Mozzarella and Plum Tomato made a great appetizer and the greens with the olives underneath was a great compliment. Next up was the Cesar Salad. Nothing spectacular about it. For the main course it was the Penne with Grilled Chicken Pesto. It came in 2 huge to go bins and each bin was enough for 3 people. The Pesto sauce was creamy and the pasta was nicely cooked. The grilled chicken was a tad on the dry side but I think it's because it was sitting in the bin while we were eating all the other stuff. To top it of we had wonderful tiramisu which wasn't too soggy and had great texture and taste.
Inside the bag was utensils, cups, napkins, and paper plates and also a togo box full of bread and butter. There was so much to eat we had enough to eat for 2 more lunches and 1 dinner for two people. Next time I go to the Hollywood Bowl I wouldn't mind stopping in for another picnic dinner to take with me.
Tip: Park on the side street when you pick up your picnic dinner. Also, the ventura lot to park and ride to the hollywood bowl is only a mile away. -
Review from Gary A.
Studio City, CA
11/13/2011
I've been coming to this place for several years. The food is good and not pricey.I loved the ambiance and the homey feeling. It just reminds me of Europe. One thing they took off from the menu was the polenta and sausage dish which I think was incredible. Please bring that dish back!
Overall, this place is a must try. -
Review from Elizabeth T.
Los Angeles, CA
3/21/2011 17 photos
After a delightful production at Theater Asylum, we were in search of a 2nd later supper. CA Canteen was a little hard to find because of weather conditions, but also just coming from West Hollywood, you're driving along the freeway and wondering if you got lost (esp. in rain) and the sign read "Cafe" on the side we were coming from so I was a bit confused. Nonetheless, after a phone conversation with an accented staff member, we found it and parked right next to to the entrance. there's more parking in back, but it still looks pretty limited.
Upon walking in, it's noticeably dimmer and the flickering lamps play up the rustic-Euro feel of the cafe. There are lots of framed prints and pictures all over the wall and a shelf full of knick-knacks at the entrance. A mix CD of accordion music and Carla Bruni plays on repeat in the background to complete the French-Bistro atmosphere. No one was standing at the door, but we were greeted and seated within a minute of walking in; we picked the corner booth in the front dining room.
We were immediate beveraged and breaded and given menus. After mulling over our options and being told that the kitchen would close soon, I ordered the Risotto St. Tropez, and my friend ordered the Linguini with Smoked Salmon and Pesto Cream Sauce. We also ordered Canteen Salad to split as an appetizer.
Meanwhile, I checked out the bathroom; it's clean, simple and very red and smelled pleasant. I think clocks are a recurring theme here, because there were many on display above the bar and 4 more in the ladies' room. I guess you'll always know what time it is and how long you've been in there.
Back to dinner: if anything, their portions are quite large here. The salad we ordered was meal-sized, and kind of plain - did not taste the balsamic at all, which I thought was odd because balsamic vinegar is pretty strong. Also didn't find any egg in the salad... oh well.
My risotto was okay. Not the best I've had, but I did enjoy the seafood part of it. It is supposed to have Clams, Mussels, Shrimp and Calamari, though i came across a scallop or two, also. I liked the clams and mussels, but the shrimp and calamari were rubbery from being overcooked. I would have liked a more delicate tomato sauce, but it was still good, nonetheless.
We tried each others' plates as we usually do during meals, and I must say - that pesto cream sauce on his Linguini tasted strongly of... Hot dogs. I was disappointed for him because this did not taste like pesto at all. I felt like they may have run out of something so they just substituted an already used sauce (maybe it was the Melted Brie Cheese made into a sauce from the Grilled Hot Dog Parisian?) and didn't mention anything to us. In fact, I really feel like that's exactly what they did; I would have appreciated if they just told us "we're out of that" instead, because my friend did not enjoy his plate and even admitted he liked my risotto much better. :(
I still had half my plate at the end of dinner, not to mention half of the salad so we packed up everything - no sense in wasting food. The bill came out to ~$50 (generous tip included). Overall, I enjoyed the atmosphere and the service was good, but the food didn't measure up to what I had hoped for. Great as far as quantity, but I'd pay more for assured quality. 3.5 stars at best for my experience. -
Review from Dustin F.
West Hollywood, CA
11/1/2011
Great food and amazing service. The service was 5 stars.
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Review from Arthur L.
West Covina, CA
9/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here for dinner on a Friday night around 5:30 and was seated right away. I was lucky enough to beat the rush cause as I was leaving it was busy, doesn't help that the place isn't too big either. Service and food was good. They also have a full bar. I'd go back for the chicken risotto. I had a good experience here, probably helped that it was empty. Also, valet is $3.50.
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Review from Laura G.
1/7/2011
Five of us came here for dinner before a show at the Pantages. We were greeted and seated right away. Our waiter was attentive, helpful and accommodating. They made my niece (11 years old) a simple pasta dish that she requested (Bow Tie noodles with cream sauce) and they did so happily. We shared the Calamari (very good), Beef Burgogne (Excellent) Skirt Steak (Eh, it was OK), Salad (good) and 2 dessert - Creme Brulee (Fantastic!) and a Chocolate Mouse (good).
This is a great neighborhood restaurant, casual ambiance, great service and good food. The fact that this is (feels like) a family restaurant gives them more kudos. Prices were very reasonable - portions are large. Definitely worth a try! -
Review from Rachel J.
Los Angeles, CA
8/27/2011
I found this place when they ran a Groupon deal, and it was good enough that I returned since that first visit. Their menu is French inspired, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that the staff actually speaks French! Here's what I ate:
- French Onion Soup: Delicious. My mom makes this at home every New Year's Eve, so I'm kind of particular about French onion soup, and I'm usually disappointed when I get it at restaurants, but this was really good. Not too salty and the perfect amount of cheese.
- Escargot: The flavor and texture were both good. Very tender. I was glad to have bread on the table to sop up the extra oil.
- Blackened Chicken "Burger": Possibly one of the most delicious chicken sandwiches I've ever had. The flavor on the sandwich is kind of amazing, and it's topped with caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and avocado. The only problem here is the mess it makes while I shove it in my mouth!
My friend got the Grilled Ahi "Burger" and he said it was the best grilled Ahi he'd ever had.
Parking: There are a few spots in the back. When I was there during the day, we could park ourselves; at night it seemed to be valet so we just parked on the street for free.
They're listed on Groupon Now a lot, so you can save a little through that! -
Review from joan h.
11/30/2010
3.5 for a first time visit and a good variety of choices.
I had the lunch special blackened chicken sandwich that came with a salad and french fries. The sandwich was huge! Nearly impossible to finish in one sitting, but somehow I managed, haha. The fries were absolutely crispy and perfect - I think I might just order these next time.
Delicious bread and butter to start you off with vinegar and balsamic at every table. Pleasant ambiance with relaxing music in the background. Good service, great location, utterly pointless valet parking, though.
Will be back! -
Review from Paul S.
Encino, Los Angeles, CA
7/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yummy.... this place is very cute ... Great food and great service... Always a pleasure.
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Review from Beau P.
Los Angeles, CA
6/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Just had Brunch at CC. I have lived in Studio City for years and always driven right by....But not anymore. Quaint, lovely restaurant and the Egg Benedict was very good. Will Definitely not drive by any more.
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Review from April C.
Los Angeles, CA
7/16/2010
Why is this place called California Canteen? Nothing about the name says French-Basque bistro (the wackadoo font neon sign says more "crazy time psuedo Mexican appetizers"), but my husband happened to see the words "French bistro" on a small sign.
Valet is available, but parking was a breeze the day we went so we skipped it and walked from a spot on Oakshire.
Once inside, we were worlds away from loud, busy Ventura. The owners have done a good job of making CC feel cozy, dark without being shady, an escape from outside. A few couples were scattered throughout, but it was pretty empty at 6:30pm on a Thursday.
I adore French food, so I was conflicted about what to try. Since it was about 90 degrees, I eliminated from the running any entrees that came with mashed potatoes (which is most of them... FYI if you're going for dinner). The appetizer of the day -- puff pastry with broiled shrimp and a mushroom-saffron sauce -- appealed to us, so we decided salads would be a nice balance. While pining over the menu, which offered several promising appetizers, salads, and specials, we fawned over the totally delicious baguette (served with cool but soft butter!).
I ordered the marinated pear and blue cheese salad, and he got Angela's chopped salad; we also requested a half-order of mussels.
The appetizer was perfect. A generous portion of puff pastry, a great combination of flaky and chewy buttery goodness, was atop a bunch of shrimp (cooked just right) and sauce. The saffron-mushroom sauce was the best part: Loaded with sauteed mushroom slices and based on (what seemed like) sherry, shallots, cream, and maybe a touch of truffle oil, it was so cravable that were sopping up the sauce with baguette after the puff pastry and shrimp were gone.
Mussels were perfectly cooked, and I loved the broth, which had a touch of cream and lots of pepper and onion.
The pear salad, which had dried cranberries, candied walnuts, and blue cheese with field greens, was very good and perfectly (lightly) dressed with balsamic vinaigrette--but a little on the sweet side for my palate. My husband's chopped salad, which had a fine chop of bacon, egg whites, blue cheese, and candied walnuts with chopped field greens, and also dressed perfectly, was more acidic--a little too "sour" for my husband's palate. So we switched salads and both were in heaven.
The service was fine while we were there. Food came out quickly but wasn't rushed, and it was clear that we were welcome to linger as long as we would have liked. They use team service--where someone with water and tea "sneaks" behind the main server to refill glasses, etc.--with skill. The helper was a ninja!
We are totally excited about having California Canteen nearby, but I'm reluctant to give five stars until we have a chance to see how consistent it is. In the meantime, I'll keep dreaming of our magically delicious first visit. -
Review from Janet M.
Sherman Oaks, CA
8/5/2011
I have always found the food here to be quite good. Traditional bistro fare that is consistent. The wine list offers a good variety of reasonable priced wines by the glass. Whenever I am in Universal City and need a place to eat, this is my spot. My only wish... they need to enforce the smoking ban on the patio. It was disappointing to have my meal interrupted by the smell of smoke wafting from 2 tables over.
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Review from johnny O.
Studio City, CA
11/29/2010
I'll keep it simple.
It was the night before Thanksgiving so I'm going blame the unexpected quality of the meal on this factor.
I ordered the steak and it came with some awesome fries but the steak was super tough and the char marks tasted like burnt poquito mas carne asada. The service was great and he made an effort to replace the bad steak with the other steak option, same thing but even tougher. My wife had a nice seafood pasta but I was really looking forward to a great meal. No Dice.
I would come back for wine and app's -
Review from Rena J.
Los Angeles, CA
8/15/2011
When my friends invited me to dine with them at California Canteen, I thought we would be getting Mexican food. Silly me, confusing Canteen with Cantina. Luckily, my good friend Wikipedia cleared a few things up for me:
Canteen (place), a cafe, restaurant, or cafeteria provided for the use of students, workers, or soldiers at a particular school, office, or military base
Ah! I get it. Still, I did not see any of the aforementioned people dining when I was there. The food ended up being a French, Italian, American fusion (at least in my rudimentary foodie opinion).
Overall, we had a lovely dining experience! The welcome was genuine, the atmosphere quaint, and the paintings on the wall offered viewpoints of life European-style.
Service is slow in the traditional European way so please come with a bit of patience. While we did have to ask our server more than once for a drink or appetizer, it wasn't the kind of thing we felt exasperated about. In fact, the slow pace of the meal allowed us to truly indulge in each other's company and the food -- just what a perfect meal ought to be.
We ordered several appetizers to split: duck patee, antipasto salad, brie fondue, and a caprese salad. The salads were extremely fresh (think farmers' market fresh). The lettuce was light and crispy, the tomatoes burst with flavor, the olives salty and pungent (the good kind), and the mozzarella creamy and smooth. Everything complimented each other perfectly.
The true highlight was the brie fondue, which was a plate of perfectly baked potato rounds covered in creamy brie served on a bed of lettuce. Trust me, I know how this sounds. Why would you put lettuce on top of warm food? Oh but it worked so well! The lettuce soaked up the buttery, salty, roasted flavors of the cheese and potatoes, making for an incredible medley of earthy, fresh, and delicious.
We also ordered the ahi tuna burger, chicken risotto, linguini arrabiata, and penne with pesto sauce and goat cheese. We had to send the ahi back because it was almost raw instead of medium (no biggie) and the arrabiata was way too salty. I always feel like a jerk for doing this but we were enjoying ourselves so much that we did not want to let this ruin the meal. Once the food came back, we were able to thoroughly indulge. My favorite was definitely the risotto.
The server even brought us free creme brulee and tirimasu to make up for the entrees! The creme brulee was .. incredible. Mmmm.
Overall, great place to go for a romantic dinner (not a first date because if you are having a bad time, there's no quick escape here..) or with a small group of good friends for great conversation and food.
P.S. - The metaphorical icing on the cake was when the staff packed up our leftovers. They not only put them in to-go containers but also in secured plastic bags so that the sauce wouldn't spill everywhere. Ahh, it's the small things in life! -
Review from Thomas S.
Phoenix, AZ
5/18/2010
On our way to LA yesterday early morning we started the trip off with some McDonald's. Hit the road. Eat. Drive. Got a call back to get to by 4pm. Well. That wore off some hours later and once again we found ourselves needing some fuel (both for our car and our tummies). Thinking an Arby's was off the next exit we left the freeway. Nope. Carl's Jr. and a Del Taco. We picked DT. Not wise. Not wise at all. Fine. A couple bites. Grab a big Mr. Pibb and hit it.
Get to LA. Get to the casting and what do I see across the street but one of my old favorites, California Canteen in Studio City. The heavens opened, the choir sang, my Tums kicked in and I knew, I absolutely knew after the audition I would be having a fabulous French meal.
And. I. Was. Right. Agnes of God this place has stood the test of time and in a town when trendy eateries last as long as an Elizabeth Taylor marriage I was such a happy Culinary Comedian to see it still thriving.
It's a quaint, cozy even somewhat cluttered little bistro on the south side of Cahuenga nestled right up against the Hollywood Hills. Parking is a bitch I remembered. But it was early, around 5 ish so we nabbed a spot in back.
French onion soup was a marvel of caramelized onions, beef stock and Swiss cheese. The smoked salmon and goat cheese quiche please even my non pescatarian man. Fluffy, light yet creamy and oh so eggy. Came with a very large side salad with a sadly bland dressing. Bland. Like Spencer Pratt bland. I mean it's there but you just want it to go away. By no means ruined the meal. The Beef Bourguignon was outstanding!
Large portions. Fair prices. Service was good particularly the bus staff. Very attentive. Couldn't finish my entree and couldn't take it with us as we had to had back to AZ.
At a rest stop just outside of Riverside I nudged a sliver of beef and carrot from my bottom teeth. Oh! What a tease...why I didn't have them pack those leftovers in some dry ice is beyond me.Listed in: I Left My Heart In LA., Candy Spelling Eats Here
